Toshiba-Westinghouse Undergraduate Researcher (Summer)

Penn State’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering will be accepting applications for an outstanding undergraduate summer research program in the nuclear field at Penn State—the Toshiba-Westinghouse Undergraduate Fellows Program.

The Toshiba-Westinghouse Undergraduate Fellows Program is a 10-week paid summer program that provides an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduates to obtain hands-on research experience and professional development in the nuclear field at Penn State. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor on a state-of-the-art nuclear research project, and will have terrific opportunities to network with industry representatives and participate in site visits to locations such as Three Mile Island.  

The program runs from May 29—August 3, 2018. Fellows will receive a $6000 stipend as well as on-campus housing. Applicants must have completed their sophomore year by the start of summer 2018 and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. We will accept applications until March 1st, 2018.  

Hands-on Research Opportunities

Students will work with a faculty mentor and pursue investigation into varied areas of the nuclear field, including: Reactor Safety Research, Reactor Core Analysis, Particle Transport Methods and Application, Advanced Control, Radiation Monitoring and Instrumentation, Materials Research, and Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics Research.

State-of-the-Art Nuclear Research Facilities

Penn State is widely known for its state-of-the-art nuclear research facilities. One facility of particular distinction is the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, located at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC).

Features of the RSEC include:
- Triga Mark III Reactor - 1 mega-watt
- Gamma Radiation Laboratory
- GPU Basic Principles Reactor Simulator
- Low-Level Readiation Monitoring Laboratory
- Fast Neutron Irradiation Capability
- Neutron Beam Laboratory
- Two Hot Cells
- Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory

Professional Development Opportunities

Opportunities will exist to personally network with high-level Toshiba-Westinghouse executives.

Students will participate in a variety of technical seminars as well as professional development workshops (e.g. scientific communication and pursuing graduate studies).

Luncheons with graduate student mentors will occur throughout the program.